Syracuse , Sicily, AR Tetradrachm 485-480 B.C., BMC 71

Description Period of Transitional Art: 466-405 B.C. First Classical Democracy Nearly six decades of popular government. Syracuse became a maritime and commercial powerhouse, repelling the Athenian expedition (413 BC) and perfecting the quinquereme warship. Factionalism and renewed Carthaginian pressure paved the way for a new autocrat. An Exact Replica of the Original Coin, BMC #71 Diameter: 26 mm Obverse: Head of Arethusa, wearing pearl necklace and pearl diadem under which hair tucked up behind, four dolphins around. Reverse: Charioteer driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right to crown horses Material: Silver-plated pewter, made in the USA Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of the coin printed on the flip insert.